His Name is Riddle

Book 3: The Rule of Riddle

Chapter 1

The Howler

Saturday, 28 June 1997

Harry rose out of bed and walked up out of the trunk room with his black workout clothes on. He looked around the Burrow sitting room in the early morning, the only time it was quiet or empty. He felt at home, because he was home. He looked around and he smiled as he walked into the kitchen. Hearing the footsteps on the stairs he poured two glasses of pumpkin juice. Quickly Ginny appeared at the bottom of the stairs with her hair pulled back in a ponytail and silver work out clothes.

"Moning babe," she greeted with a hug.

"Morning." he replied, returning it. "Any proof of life from Ron?"

Ginny shook her head. "Snoring like a lawn mower still. I don't think we should expect him."

"Well I won't fault him for that," Harry said appreciating the extended embrace and rubbing her shoulders.

"I spoiled myself last week." Ginny said, not letting go.

"Moving into my room?" Harry clarified.

Ginny nodded to confirm. "I missed you last night."

"Same." Harry confirmed. "But we'll get by. No classes for a good few weeks, so lots of free time."

"Yay." Ginny giggled as she broke away and started sipping on her drink.

"Photoshoot Monday, right?" Harry asked more to confirm than anything.

Ginny nodded. "Still escorting me?"

"Try and stop me." Harry grinned. "You're not planning on going back to the joke shop this summer, are you?"

"No," she said with a shake of her head. "I mean don't get me wrong. Not a thing wrong with the shop, but Nimbus is better pay and has fewer hours."

"Which you deserve, Crimson." Harry agreed with a smile.

"Thank you." Ginny looked out the window then smiled brightly and her eyes seemed to shimmer in happiness. The best she had been in a week. "So, Tuesday… will be a year."

"I may be a thick bloke but I do remember our anniversary." Harry smiled. "I even have plans. I do have a question for you."

"Well you already gave me a promise necklace," Ginny smirked.

"Not that question." Harry said wryly.

"I assume we have a date of some sort planned?" She asked with only a slightly accusatory look, which Harry could see she was joking about.

"I know we both like privacy. I was thinking about dinner on the beach? Stars, surf, no brothers, no death eaters. Otherwise if you want a classic restaurant-" Harry grinned.

"No! Some sort of private dinner on the beach sounds… so perfect." She squeezed him again. "Thank you."

"You know, Gin, We don't have to go on the run today. It is okay to relax occasionally."

Ginny looked out the window. Harry could tell she was working her way through something. He gave her the moment. "I'm glad its early." she signed then looked up to Harry with a truly rare look of … vulnerability. "You are the only one I'd talk to like this."

"Noted." Harry said to support.

"This is nothing like the Chamber… but I'm still rattled from the attack. And yesterday was the funeral and…. I see the attraction now of what I guess I just grew up with and have taken for granted. I really could use a run around the Burrow."

Harry wrapped Ginny up tightly, and kissed the t0p of her head. "It's a rare day you're this honest with me. Thank you, by the way. And yep, that last one was rough." He held open his left hand showing the scars earned from holding he and Ron off the edge of Astronomy Tower. "So we are both still working through it. Sounds like a good thing that you haven't kicked that dumb boyfriend of yours to the curb yet," Harry finished, fishing for a smile. He caught one.

"He isn't dumb. Not by a longshot."

"Care for a run?" Harry invited again with a smile.

It was slow. Slow enough that Harry could tell Ginny was thinking, or plotting more like it. But slowly her cheshire grin emerged. Harry took so much comfort in that. Obviously there were going to be highs and lows, but Ginny was going to be okay. The brightness came to Ginny's eyes and holding her Harry could feel her muscles tense.

Then she shoved him back cheering, laughing more like it, "Catch me if you can!" and dashing out the door. Harry shook his head, yep, that was his girlfriend. And no way was he going to be able to catch her. But he sure as hell wasn't going let her out of his sight. So he took off running too.

Bacon. It was the savory scent of smoked bacon being fried up that woke Ron up from his bed with a dumb grin. He was comforted again when his eyes opened to his own room. He grabbed an orange Cannons t shirt and jeans and headed downstairs. Molly was by the stove working up a breakfast size like the old days of early last summer, but she was smiling as she did. "Morning Mum," he said as he came around and hugged her, then snagged a piece of bacon.

"I saw that," Molly said in clearly mock annoyance, but she quickly couldn't hold that. Her children were home so her smile returned. "But more importantly good morning son, yes very good to have the three of you home."

"It is nice to be home," R0n replied as he grabbed the plates and silverware. "Five?" he asked.

"As far as I know." Molly confirmed. "The two of us, your father is sleeping in, Merlin knows he's earned it. Ginny and Harry are on their morning workout. I'm surprised you're not with them?" she asked with a curious look.

"Most mornings I absolutely am, Mum, I swear." he explained, as he set the table. "First weekend home from school, I wanted to sleep in too."

"Well… I suppose you earned it too." Molly replied with a smile as she finished cooking and got everything off the stove. She poured herself a tea and sat down with Ron. "I suppose I'm glad we have this moment too."

"Really?" he squeaked out nervously.

Molly smiled. She was enjoying this. "How's Hermione?"

"Mione? Mione's is fine, Mum. I mean, she had a rough go of it during the attack, but I've been doing the shoulder to cry on stuff. Merlin knows she's been there for me too. We're alright."

"And I am very happy to hear that Ronald, truly."

There was a moment of silence that Ronald interpreted as the end of the conversation, so he poured himself a cup of tea. But Molly continued, "So what else do I need to know?"

"Er…" Ron, trying to make the impossible choice of confessing to that or lying to his mother. He tried evasion. "Mum… c'mon."

"Don't 'c'mon' me." Molly smiled. "It's been six months since we touched on this and all of you are coming up on your one year anniversary…. And I'm not stupid." Molly flashed the expression that almost seemed to invite a challenge. "We can have this talk now, or over family supper." Molly practically sang the last four words.

Ron wasn't dumb enough to push this much further.

"I promise, Mum. There's nothing to worry about." Ron tried to reassure.

"There's a confession if I ever heard one." Molly smirked.

Ron hung his head bracing for the fires of Hades.

"I trust the two of you are at least being smart enough to keep up on the charms and potions?" Molly's voice was more pleading than anything.

Ron was shocked. So shocked he accidently slipped into honesty. "Um, yeah… both."

"Thank, Merlin," Molly said with relief.

Ron blinked and shuddered with the lack of reaction from his mother. "What? Really?"

Molly took a breath. "Well don't expect me to be a cheerleader for that particular aspect of your relationship, but let's look at the facts of the matter. You two are seventeen now. You're past the point of groundings and howlers. Realistically, speaking you could move out and start your own life and never look back."

"Mum, I'm not going to do that." Ron said honestly, knowing full well Percy was on her mind.

"And I know that." Molly nodded. "That still doesn't mean the thought doesn't cross my mind. So there is little sense in blowing issues out of proportion, is there? "

Ron relaxed enough to let out a small smile. "Thanks Mum."

"The only thing I will say is, I've already come to think of Hermione as a daughter. So if you, Mr. Weasley, are anything short of the fine good man that I raised to her… well… then you will experience everything about me you've come to fear."

Ron swallowed hard. "This … this is not the conversation I expected this morning."

And just like that Molly's wide bright smile returned like any holiday greeting. She rose and walked around the table, kissed Ron on the top of his head. "Welcome to being of age." Then she started serving up plates as Arthur came down stairs and Harry and Ginny came in from morning workout.

"Morning all." Arthur.

"Morning Daddy," Ginny said as he hugged him after at least toweling down.

"Hey, sir," Harry waved with a smile as he started setting his plate.

"So you all have a well deserved summer break in front of you." Arthur asked with a smile. "What are your plans?"

Harry quickly threw back a bite of toast with a sip of juice. "Well from my training with Moody there is a lead I would like to check out sooner than later. I'd like to go up to Angus," He took a breath, then forced out. "Visit a seer." He shook his head irritation.

"I'm game." Ginny nodded. Ron was busy chewing but nodded and held a thumbs up.

Molly tilted her head to the side. "Your day is yours, but if you're looking to meet a Seer, why not that Professor Trelawney?"

Harry choked on some eggs at the thought. After swallowing, he explained. "First, I think I've had quite enough of her prophecy in my life. I would truly like a second opinion. Second, I would like to visit a sober seer today."

Ginny and Ron let out snickers and Arthur couldn't help but smile. "Normally, I'd feel the need to go over mild advice on traveling to Scotland, but…" Arthur chuckled "Hermione and you, Ron, are already seventeen. Harry, you only have a month left, and well… It would be redundant and insulting to ask you to keep an eye on Ginny."

"Not insulting, Dad." Ginny smiled.

"Agreed," Harry said. "But I also agreed, not technically needed," Harry grinned.

Molly smiled. "Let me guess, home after lunch but before supper?"

The three of them looked at each other, "Yeah."

"Flame if that changes."

They sent a link to Hermoine who was already awake and happy to join. Ron apprated the three of them to a secluded view of Hampstead Gardens that Hermoine had shown him during the twins' birthday weekend. He quickly checked if anyone was watching then the three of them quickly hopped out of the bushes then started walking down the block like any normal person.

Harry started smiling as they walked which caught Ginny's attention. "What's got you smiling, Lightning?"

"It's just kind of funny, I suppose. Hermione and I have been mates for years, and we lived like, what a couple of miles apart in London?"

"Thirty," Ron said, then clarified. "I asked last summer. To me, you're both 'from London', so I asked where Little Whinging is from here."

Harry chuckled. "Exactly my point. Only thirty miles, but it takes me learning how to apparate before I actually visit her home."

Ginny squeezed his arm with affection. "You didn't get a shot at 'normal' babe. So…" she grinned. "It just means we make up for it."

Harry nodded in agreement. "Thanks."

Picking up Hermione was relatively simple. Brief greetings with the Grangers, who Ron was noticeably becoming more and more comfortable with. After they bid them bye, the quartet returned to Hampstead Gardens and quickly ducked past the shrubs.

"Think you can handle apprating all three of us?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded. "With the amount of popping Moody made me do, I am feeling very comfortable with this. Before we go. The tavern we're heading for, Third Eye. It's a lot more rough and tumble than the Cauldron or Three Broomsticks."

"Harry!" Ginny teased with her hand over her heart. "Where are you taking me?"

They all laughed at Ginny's mock concern.

"No place you can't handle babe." Harry reassured with a back rub. I'm just saying this is one of those places we go in with purpose and we leave. No messing around. We keep our heads low and our occlumency up."

"Do we really need to go then?" Hermione asked. "If it's that… seedy?"

"You tell me 'Mione," Harry asked. "Did you get any more specific than 'Albania, several hundred years ago."

"No." Hermione acknowledged with regret.

Ron crossed his arms. "Look, I admit I'm never going to be the lead researcher on this team. But something like… what we're looking for… I rather doubt we'll find the lead for in a bright and shiney library. This 'feels' like something we'd need to … get a little dirty for."

"I'm with Ron. This is just one of those shady sides of life no one bothers to tell you about till you grow up. And after this last year…" Ginny shrugged.

Hermione sighed and accepted. "Okay, Harry take me to a dive bar."

Harry smiled as he took his wand and tapped a Notice-Me-Not onto his rings, holster and finally his scar.

"Your scar mate?" Ron asked. "All of a sudden you're self conscious about it."

"That scar is almost a personal ID for Harry." Hermione clarified. "Logic assumes you are looking for a low profile?"

"It's a dream," Harry said as he slipped his left arm around Ginny's waist, Hermione locked elbows with Harry's right, and Harry and Ron clasped hands. "We've all popped around before. Just let me do the driving."

Harry closed his eyes and with a flash of lighting light, they quickly popped to the secluded corner Hilltop Cemetery. He smiled when he saw everyone arrived, safe and sound. "Side along three confirmed, Sarge will be happy."

"Well thanks for making me yer guinea pig mate." Ron smirked.

Hermione looked around finally registering the headstones. "Did you bring us to… a graveyard?"

Already heading the wrought iron gate in the fence. "Well, yeah but not like an omen or anything. Look around. Secluded, public place, like 20 feet from the walkway. How much more do you want?"

"I get it." Ginny nodded. "Last thing we want is muggles freaking out or curious about people appearing out of nowhere.

"I supposed," Hermione reluctantly agreed. "I just hadn't thought about it before."

Ron took her arm with a smile. "Don't worry about it. For like forever… you've been the book witch, and nothing wrong with that. Now we're stepping out of the classroom a bit. It had to happen sooner or later."

"Thank you Ron." Hermione smiled.

Harry led the way in a relaxed walk. In truth, Angus didn't seem altogether different from Hampstead Gardens. Not as urban and developed as downtown London. They were heading into the business district which was clearly busy with early summer rush of people shopping and enjoying the weather. They were far from the only young people out and about, and as they had all planned ahead and preferred to anyway they, blended in plain sight.

Harry turned down an ally and turned to his friends and tapped his forehead as a reminder. He came to a nondescript steel door that lacked even a handle to open it. Harry looked around again to check for unwanted eyes. Satisfied they weren't seen he drew his wand and traced a triangle on the door which glowed orange. Then Harry took out a galleon and pressed it against the peak of the triangle. The galleon quickly sank into the metal and the door slid open. "Heads down everybody," he whispered as he led the way.

The interior of the Third Eye was a dark and shabby pub lit by magical candlelight. A 'U' shaped room with a similar shaped bar in the middle. Stools surrounded the bar and then further out square wooden tables with a burning candle and chairs surrounded them. They were there far earlier in the day than Harry's prior visit, so it was less busy than the crowded evening, but still the pub was far from dead. Scattered wizard and witches met but also an assortment of goblins, and judging from their silvery golden hair, a veela in the corner.

Harry waited his turn at the bar quietly, and the others followed suit. A hulk of a man with six inches over Ron and as broad as the two lads put together walked up with a white towel over his left shoulder and a scar over his right cheek and had long wild black hair. "Help ya?" he asked, clearly eyeing the four of them over.

Far more relaxed than the other three would have guessed, Harry continued. "We'll start with four butterbeers. Thanks." He dropped a galleon on the counter.

"Your friends," the barkeep nodded. "I ain't never seen here before. Yous… didn't yous ride in with that dark wizard a few weeks back? The one missing an eye and leg?"

Harry nodded. "Yep, he's my boss."

"And the other three?"

Harry shrugged. "Last I knew there was a war out and not safe to travel alone."

The barkeep's skepticism was clear as he looked down to Harry. "Stretch there maybe. Your lady folk?"

"Brunette's the brains." Harry replied, nodding at each in turn. "Redhead's my fire power."

"Shorty is your firepower?"

Ginny understood completely what Harry was doing. She threw her hair back and gave her cheshire smile and purred. "Ah c'mon big boy, ain't ya heard about what a woman scorned is like?" She winked and briefly flashed flames from her eyes.

The barkeep pointed a finger at Ginny in understanding. "That makes a hell of a lot more sense then." He quickly rested four bottles on the counter and took the galleon.

"Keep the change." Harry said to continue the conversation.

"Anything else?"

"I'd like to meet with one of your Seers." Harry said, tapping another galleon on the counter.

The barkeep snickered. "And what do yous need a Seer for?"

Harry kept grinning. "I thought we just said. I have a boss."

"And he sends you running for his errands now?"

Ron finally found his footing. "You just mentioned his leg. Who d'ya think is faster? Us or him?"

The barkeep gave them a final look over, then finally broke out laughing. "Aight, that's a good one!" All four of them join in the tension relieving laugh.

"What kind of seer yous need?" the barkeep asked, looking far more relaxed, like he was just doing his job. "None ya seem to be looking for love."

"Nah," Harry shook his head. "We're more in the line of 'lost and found'."

"Ahhh." the barkeep said in understanding. "Treasure hunters."

Harry smiled. "Yeah, that will do fine."

"Right then, well I got someone. She charges twenty galleons a pop, coin up front." He watched again.

Ginny and Hermione both caught Harry giving a false flinch at the cost as he nodded. "Seems a little proud, but yeah, I can swing that."

"Have a seat, I'll let her know," the barkeep nodded to the vacant table off to the side, then disappeared through a door to the back.

Then all sat around the table and opened their drinks. Ginny smiled. "Dating you is never boring, is it babe?"

Ron was the most surprised. "What the hell was that?" he asked his sister.

"That was me doing my job," Ginny growled.

"Speaking of which," Harry reminded with a subtle wave around to the other patrons. "We're still on the job. Last thing I want is the boss unhappy we ruined his connection with this place."

"Oh," Ron replied, realizing the theatrics were still going. "Sorry."

Harry shrugged and smiled. "Don't worry. Boss didn't hire you for your brains."

All four of them stifled a smile as Harry played the part. They had enough time to sip through their drinks when the barkeep finally returned for them. "She's ready for yous, but no funny business, right?"

Harry was about to speak when Ginny purred again. "Funny, I was about to say the same."

The barkeep seemed to honestly smile. "I like you."

"Me too," Harry grinned as looked back at her.

The barkeep led them back a narrow hallway with peeling paint on the walls that smelled thickly of a variety of incense. The barkeep stopped and gestured to a purple beaded curtain hanging in a doorway. Then leaned against the far wall and crossed his arms showing he was going anywhere. Harry grinned again. "Miracle, stick with me. Ice… Fire, why don't you stay out here. Keep our friend company."

Ron nodded and stood over to guard the left side of the door.

"Sure." Ginny said, as she stood on the right side of the door and looked straight up to guard. "We'll all just stand around and fall in love together."

The barkeep smiled again.

Harry and Hermione continued past the beaded curtain and found the source of the incense. Brass candelabras with candles lit the room with similar peeling mustard yellow paint. In the far corner of the room was crescent shaped red leather couch circular wooden table with a crystal ball on it

An elder witch with grey hair and a purple robe sat in the corner, and bid them welcome with a wave of her hand. They sat in a pair of red velvet chairs. "You are my treasure hunters."

"In a limited capacity, yes." Hermione replied.

"An articulate woman has come before me," the Seer nodded.

Harry nodded in agreement. "My father had a saying, 'God and the Devil can be in the details, so it is best to mind them. My associate here does that very well."

"So when you speak of 'limited capacity'...?"

"I mean we are not professional treasure hunters." Hemione explained. "We do not intend to make a career bothering you looking for endless lost bobbles."

Harry continued. "There are two magical items of very strong power, we have spent the last year researching to find. Progress has been minimal. My boss recommended this establishment. Your … associate… recommended you. And your price…" Harry dropped a stack of twenty five galleons on the table. "... is acceptable."

The Seer summoned the coins into a velvet looking money bag. "We seem to be in agreement then. What is it that you seek?"

Harry nodded to Hermione. She pulled out a paper with a drawing. Harry recognized it as a picture from one of the original records they found. The least descriptive one. "We're looking for a tiara. Quite old. Most prominent feature is a round blue sapphire. It will have one of the strongest magical charms you would have encountered. It has a mate with the same charm though guidance of what and where that mate would be part of the reason we are here."

The Seer reached out. "I will need a volunteer." Hermione began but Harry waved her off.

"You just said I'm the brains." she smiled.

"Exactly, I'm the risk taker." Harry replied, then turned his attention to the Seer and offered his hand. "Lead the way m'lady"

The Seer reached out and took Harry's hand. He didn't know what he expected, but he expected something. But instead he felt nothing. He watched as the Seer held his hand and with the other pointed her wand to the crystal ball. A silver energy flowed to the ball. The Seer's eyes fluttered but glowed silver behind her eyelids. "Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure." Harry and Hermione exchanged looks. Hermione quickly began writing notes. "A white raven will show you the truth. You will find what you seek, where all is lost. In fact, you already possess it. Beware the mind walker, she will destroy you." Then the Seer finally released Harry's hand. Returning to her senses all the silver energy faded as she looked at Harry. "I hope that helps."

Hermione opened her mouth to protest, but Harry reached over to her writing arm gently to stop her. He gave her a stern look to remind them where they were. Hermione closed her mouth, smiled, and nodded.

Harry smiled widely. "Thank you for your service." Harry rose and Hermione followed his example and followed him back out the beaded curtain, to see the three of them all standing staring at each other. "Any budding romances yet?"

Ginny looked the barkeep over once more. "Nah, he's got the rugged looks, but too much of the strong silent type. You're stuck with me for a while longer." The barkeep and Ron both rolled their eyes and cracked grins. Frankly, Harry was happy to see the smiles. He noticed people tended to hex less when they smiled.

"Happy to know I don't have competition then." Harry replied. Then he looked up to the barkeep. "We know the way, but I somehow get the feeling you'll still see us out?"

The barkeep nodded. "Yep… but it seems yous know how to behave 'round here. So I won't mind if yous come back again."

Harry grinned as they walked out. "Always nice to have another port in the storm."

They made their way out back to the muggle streets. They passed a cafe and each grabbed a morning coffee then found their way to a park with tall oak trees providing shade for a a table from the summer sun to finally talk normally. Hermione still cast a silence charm for privacy.

"What the hell was that?" Ron asked.

"What?" Harry grinned. "I thought I told you all this was a keep your head low kind of place. What did you expect?"

"I didn't expect to walk into a lion's den!" Ron continued.

"Mate, it wasn't that bad. House of Cards over in Isle of Sky, that's a rougher one."

Hermione started to smile watching Harry. "This is what Moody trained you while you were gone?"

"Apparation fighting, and showing me these places, yeah. Giving me contacts to do the auror job. I'm sure he didn't expect me to use it this early-"

"Story of our lives." Ginny teased with a playful bump to his side.

"I'm sorry this didn't pan out better." Hermione said.

"What do mean 'Mione?" Harry asked, sipping his coffee.

"Well it's not like she gave us much to go on." She took out the note she had written for them all to read:

Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure.

A white raven will show you the truth.

You will find what you seek, where all is lost.

In fact, you already possess it.

Beware the mind walker, she will destroy you.

"'Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure.' That's Ravenclaw's motto." Ginny pointed out.

Hermione nodded. "I specifically did not mention anything to try to identify the diadem. So I admit she got my attention with that."

"Well even I would be willing to admit that could be a lucky guess." Harry shrugged. "How many lost tiaras are there?"

"So we all taking up bird watching for a white raven now?" Ron asked with a cheeky smile.

"This stuff is always symbolic. Probably a dove or something." Ginny shrugged.

"Still bird watching." Ron pointed out raising his cup. Hermione shook her head at the silliness.

"Could she get more cliche?" Harry asked, then impersonated. "'You will find what you seek, when all is lost.'"

"Where." Hermione corrected.

"Hmm?" Harry asked, sipping his coffee.

"You weren't kidding. You do need me to mind the details. She said where all is lost, not when."

Thoughts started to connect. "It couldn't be that simple," he said barely above a whisper.

"What are you thinking, Lightning?" Ginny asked with a caring rub to his arm.

"The variant of the Room where we fought the Death Eaters," Harry explained. "It looked like the … attic of the world. Like acres of … lost things. You don't think…"

Ginny's started thinking too. "Harry during that last attack. You kept asking Luna about Riddle. If she saw him on the map. Why?"

Harry shrugged. "After the cabinet blew, I thought I felt him, a Riddle-ache. Figured he slipped through the cabinet when I didn't see him."

"Harry," Hermione realized. "Riddle isn't the only thing that triggers your aches."

"A horcrux? A horcrux in the school? That's mental." Harry said.

Ron shook his head. "Actually mate, there's some sense to it. Hogwarts has some of the best guards and wards in the magical world, surrounded by some of the best mages. If you needed to keep something safe, where better to hide it where your enemies are the ones protecting it?"

"How? When? Are we suggesting Riddle snuck into Hogwarts, summoned the Room … of Lost Things, for lack of a better name, hid a horcrux, waltzed off and no one saw anything?"

"No," Ginny said, turning to Harry. "He went to an interview."

"Like a job interview?" Ron asked with a puzzled expression on his face. "As a teacher? Were they mental?"

Both Harry and Ginny impersonated Dumbledore, "They didn't hire him."

"Sorry," Harry apologized. "One of my memory lessons with the Old Man, it was an interview Dumbledore had with Riddle, in his office, at school. Dumbledor himself seemed to think Riddle was up to something. That has to be it. He took the interview as an excuse to hide a horcrux in the school."

Harry was staring out to the green of the park. "I don't believe it. We've been killing ourselves in libraries for a year. One of them was in the damn Room."

"This is still forward progress Harry." Hermione remined.

"Lot like last summer, " Ron reminded.

Harry looked at them both. "Help me out, clarify please."

"Well last summer, you had two horcruxes and the fangs locked up at school." Ron gestured with his hands. "Now you've got the fangs but the horcrux is locked up."

Harry looked at Ron's smiling face, then turned to the others all grinning in hope. Ginny nudged him again affectionately. "That's not a bad situation."

Harry looked at his friends, having a coffee, on a day off with a sunlit summer day in a beautiful piece of nature. He let himself have a smile. "No, it's not."

The weekend was the relaxation they all needed. Having grown quite fond of it the year before Harry took a lot of time in the orchard and the pond, with Ginny by his side. Combinations of broom flights, wizard tag, picnics, swims, and doing nothing but spending time together filled their day. More than one nap happened on a blanket in the orchard beneath the summer sun. Mr. Weasley was right, fresh air and sunshine were a lot better than a cupboard under the stairs, which blissfully was everyday becoming a more and more a forgotten memory.

Monday's photoshoot went swimmingly. Mr. Whitehorn held a small celebration. Crimon's merchandise sales, especially posters, were the best in company history, and the Reign of Fire was getting great reviews. The photoshoot itself seemed similar to last fall's. Ginny spent the day as the center of attention, just the way Harry liked it.

When the 1st of July came, their actual anniversary, Harry did more than just dinner at the beach. Shortly after lunch the pair took off for a day in Holyhead. He arranged for a day sailing trip on the water. The lighthouse looked much more grand at day and was not surrounded by Demeantors. They also walked around a lot of city center, because as Harry said, "You'll be moving here soon enough, might as well get to know the town."

"Merlin," Ginny replied, shaking her head over their dinner on the beach on what had been named the date blanket. "You are more confident I'll make the team than I am." Ginny smiled.

"Keep in mind. I get the prettier view." Harry grinned. "I get to see you play. You're already great with another two years to train. I have no doubt."

"What are you wanting to do after the war, Harry?" Ginny asked with bright eyes.

Harry took a breath. "Especially after this last year of training. I think I'll go for the badge. Stick with the aurors, do whatever Tonks and Moody say. So… do you think you could handle being married to an auror? Late nights? Not exactly a desk job?"

Ginny nodded. "For you? Absolutely. I can't imagine how work after the war would be anywhere near as dangerous as some of what we've done. What about you and a pro quidditch player? Travel? Training schedule?""

Harry smiled. "I look forward to the day those are my biggest challenges."

Ginny finally took out her a small wrapped box. "Happy Anniversary," she said.

Harry opened the box, and found a silver locket in the shape of a shield, with a pair of lightning bolts overlayed on a fire. "I took inspiration from you. It's a charmed locket." Ginny explained. Harry quickly opened it and found a pair of photos, both clearly recent. The first was Ginny smiling very much as she was now, hair straight, in a yellow sundress. The second, was Crimson, hair curled, and cheshire grin with eyes smoldering."

"You realize, babe, two Ginny's would have been great."

"I know, but you are with the Crimson Witch, and I like the way I look dressed up that way. So you might as well enjoy it too, guilt free." She smiled.

Harry grinned and nodded. "Charm?" he asked, as she reached around and put the locket around his neck.

"Sonorus," Ginny said after kissing him. "So when you have to be all in charge and shout 'D.M.L.E.' or whatever, your wand is still free."

Harry laughed and nodded his head. "That's a good idea. Real clever. Thanks." Then he pulled a box from his pocket.

Ginny opened it to find a pair of simple but diamond stud earrings. "They are lovely. Thank you. I don't care but because of who we are, charm?"

Harry nodded. "We used it so much, silence charm. When you want a moment for a private word."

"That is absolutely perfect, thank you."

Friday, 5 July 1997

It was shortly after breakfast when a delivery owl flew in dropping a distinctive red envelope with special gold trim on it. Ron stuttered. "What? No! Mum, I thought you said I was too old for those!"

"I didn't!" Molly said in surprise. "If I wanted to yell at one of you, I'd do it in person."

"For pity's sake," Harry spat out as he grabbed it and read it. "From Tonks? Addressed here to ' The Weasleys: Ron, Ginny, & Harry with invitation to Hermione.'"

No sooner had Harry read the envelope than the leapt out of his hands to life and flew up over the center of the table, and to their surprise a week into their summer break, the voice of their Sergeant was yelling at them, but with cheer and happiness clear. "You're getting drafted again cadets! Remus and I are getting married… tonight! Get yourselves dressed up and get to my parents place by 1700 tonight. Here's a portkey." The Howler unceremoniously spat out a more traditional cardstock invitation with information calligraphy written on it, then very unceremoniously tore itself to pieces and rained down on the table like confetti.

"Ah," Molly cheered "Tonks and Remus are eloping! How sweet!"

"Ron, link 'Mione and let her know. Let's meet at the Cauldron." Ginn said.

"Cauldron, why?" Ron asked puzzled.

"Honestly Ron, after a year I thought you'd picked up a few things." his sister explained. "Wedding, get dressed up, 'Mione and I are going to need to go dress shopping, you two blokes can take care of gift shopping."

Ron looked over to a laughing best mate. Harry shook his head, "Hey man, I just date her. Don't ever expect me to change her mind. If you're smart, you'll link Hermione and get ready to flame."

The four of them, more or less attacked Diagon Alley and divided by sexes. The ladies going dress shopping. The lads discussed it remembering Ron preferred dress robes and Harry knew Ginny always liked him in a muggle suit. Then they went along technically gift shopping but more accurately catching up as mates. In attempts to look respectable they did grab hair cuts. Harry kept it professionally short around the sides but accepting he could never get his hair to lay straight he embraced it and let it be styled spikes. He remembered to ask for length kept on the top. Ginny had made no secret she loved running her hands through his hair and wasn't about to deny her that. The lads did remember the assignment though, and got complimentary gifts, Ron getting a photo album and Harry picking up a wizard camera.

"Clever," Hermione said with a smile. "How much do I owe you for my half?"

"Nothin'" Ron shrugged. "You needed to get a new dress."

"Well yes… but-"

Ron rolled his eyes. "We all got paid from the D.M.L.E. last year, remember? What have I even had the chance to spend it on? I still have most of my galleons squirrelled away. Why d'ya think I wasn't hot to trot to get a job this summer?"

Hermione smiled, "So long as you're doing well. Can I repay you with a kiss?"

"Oh absolutely." Ron agreed enthusiastically. Harry and Ginny just smiled at their friends.

When the hour approached, Ron more or less bounced down the stairs, to the chagrin of Molly and Arthur. But she couldn't muster the heart to scold him when Ron looked so dashing in his dress robes. Harry in a charcoal suit, black shirt and new tie that matched Ginny's hair. The ladies went with simple black dresses, but … in the six months since Harry had to proper opportunity to appreciate the view in a worthy outfit, Ginny had bloomed even more. No gifting of height, but definitely more definition of curves that Harry appreciated very much. Topped with her Crimson curls and make up, Ginny looked like she matured an extra three years. Judging by the smile on her face Ginny liked the way she looked too.

They each took a corner and Harry charged the invitation. A magical spin later, they found themselves in a beautifully decorated backyard with vibrant green grass and with burning candles floating in the air and white streamers off the back of the house to a back hedge.

"Thanks for coming, you four." Remus's friendly voice welcomed. They turned to see their Professor actually wearing a new suit. Harry didn't think he'd ever see the day.

"Absolutely," Harry responded with a hug.

"I admit I was surprised," Hermione said, but quickly added, "But only at the timing."

Remus nodded. "That's a fair statement, Hermione. It was the attack. A realization that life is short. But one ought to still live it. I did propose properly. Then as the conversation grew from her acceptance to when, we both asked ourselves, 'Why wait?' So here you are."

"So does this change your plans for next year?" Ron asked. "Both of ya still teaching."

Remus nodded. "Indeed, Minerva made offers and we accepted before we left. Before we get too far off the path though, Harry, Ginny, Tonks and I have a small favor to ask."

The pair exchanged looks and shrugged. "What?"

Remus smiled. "Well, the only reason Tonks isn't asking you herself is she's busy getting ready. It seems you two have a bit of kindred spirits waiting for your blokes?"

Ginny smirked. "We had a conversation or two over the years, yes."

"Yes, well, I think Harry and I both will say 'guilty as charged'." Remus said with a grin to Harry.

"I prefer the term 'reformed.'" Harry corrected and he stood tall and pulled Ginny closer, making everyone laugh.

"Indeed, in that spirit, Ginny, Tonks and I would very much like you to stand as Maid of Honor."

Ginny was shocked, but then leapt up to hug Remus, very much to his surprise. "Of course!" she cheered.

Harry snickered and pseudo apologized. "Gin gets excited when she's happy."

"The best ones always do." Remus smiled when Ginny let go, Remus continued with Harry. "Harry, you are fine young man. You're a friend to us both. I've already got your lady up with us. Could I get you to stand as the best man?"

Harry looked over to his friends chuckling, Ginny smiled wide. "Sure Remus, anything for family."

A beautiful elder woman approached who, unfortunately reminded them of Bellatrix approached, but smiled much warmer and had wider kinder eyes and light brown hair. "Excuse me Remus, but we are starting to get settled. I take it these are the those students you and Dora spoke about?"

Looks flashed around at the nickname, but they were all smart enough to bite their tongues.

"Yes, everyone, this is Tonk's mother, Andromeda." Remus introduced with a wave of his hand for courtesy, "Andi, this Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Ginny Weasley, and I am sure you recognize Harry."

"Yes," she nodded, extending handshakes to them all. "But only barely. You've grown into a fine young man, Harry. You've all grown up so quickly. Welcome to our home. Thank you for coming."

Quickly fair-haired sandy brown hair, big-bellied man with pale skin approached. He had a mellow and pleasant voice as he approached Andromeda. "Do we have a full wedding party then?"

Andromeda nodded, "We do. Ginny and Harry are happy to help. This is my husband and Dora's father, Ted."

They squeezed in another round of introductions before the priest arrived with a smile. They confirmed a few details and directed everyone where to stand. Ted soon left to fetch his daughter.

The ceremony was beautiful. Tonks was no blushing bride, but in a form-flattering white tube cut dress, curled bubble gum pink colored hair, and a beaming smile, she was a lovely one. The irony wasn't lost on Harry; a week ago it was a funeral, today a surprise elopement, in a month a long planned wedding… who knew what the next year held.